Senator-elect Kawasaki's new Juneau office is open for session

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - According to a statement from Senator-elect Scott Kawasaki's office, he is open and ready for business.

Kawasaki said, in an email to supporters, that his office will be located near the entrance of the State Capitol in Room 7.

On Jan. 15, when he is sworn in as senator, his new email will be Sen.Scott.Kawasaki@akleg.gov.

Kawasaki has a number of pieces of pre-filed legislation:

• SB 3: Strengthens sexual assaults penalties to make Alaska safer and hold criminals accountable.
• SB 9: Guarantees PFDs for individuals whose criminal convictions have been vacated, reversed or dismissed. In 2017, his bill, HB 127, passed the House 38-1, but stalled in the Senate.
• SB 6: Senator Begich and Kawasaki are working to create a statewide early education program for children ages 3 to 5.
• SB 10: Extends the Statewide Suicide Prevention Council, which aims to improve the health and wellness of Alaskans by reducing suicide and its effect on individuals and communities.
• SB 11: Improves the Military Spouse Courtesy Licensing Program so that military spouses can easily transition to life in Alaska, practice their profession and help support their families. Last year, HB 262 passed the House unanimously and was stopped in the Senate, despite bipartisan support.

Kawasaki is also signalling his support to new House District 1 Rep. Bart LeBon.

"Bart LeBon has been declared the winner in the race to represent House District 1, which I am vacating to represent Senate District A," Kawasaki said. "I look forward to working closely with Representative-elect LeBon to continue advocating for the House district that I represented for almost 12 years. Alongside Rep. Steve Thompson representing House District 2, we have a strong team for Fairbanks with diverse experience and dedication to our neighbors and families."

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) - House members have announced the first of a series of informational meetings to take place this week at the Capitol, covering topics ranging from budget and revenues to jobs and the economy.